Date Approved

5-31-1999

Embargo Period

7-19-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in School Administration

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Capasso, Ronald

Subject(s)

First grade (Education); Multicultural education

Disciplines

Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration

Abstract

This Master's project was designed to assess the effects of infusing various multicultural activities in a rural school with limited diversity. It focused on integrating monthly multicultural activities into the curriculum of first grade students to increase their sensitivity and appreciation of diversity.

The study utilized qualitative data gathered through surveys, interviews and observations completed at Dennis Township Elementary School. The first grade students were exposed to a series of multicultural activities which included storytelling, mini-lessons and cultural presentation throughout a six month time span. Students' attitudes toward diversity were measured by pre-test and post-test surveys preceding and subsequent to the multicultural activities.

Results showed that the first grade students were more receptive to accepting minority children as friends, teaming with them for class activities and learning about their cultures after being exposed to multicultural programs.

Conclusions drawn from the survey responses and other informal evaluation suggested that the exposure to the cultural activities contributed to the awareness and appreciation of diversity in the first grade students. Future direction regarding diversity in Dennis Township Elementary School should address creating opportunities to connect with the high school's ethnic clubs for multicultural activities, contacting local organizations for minority role models and concentrating efforts upon hiring minority educators within the school district.

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